Relive: Barcelona 4-0 AC Milan (European Champions League)

Lionel Messi scores twice as Barcelona crush AC Milan 4-0 to stage a remarkable comeback and reach the Champions League quarter-final with a 4-2 aggregate victory

Hatem Maher, Wednesday 13 Mar 2013

Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi, from Argentina, 3rd left, shoots to score their first goal during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona (Photo: AP)

43 In the day's other round of 16 clash, Galatasaray equalise against Schalke. It's 1-1 now

42 Barcelona level the aggregate score, they are now firm favourites to go through. Milan were unlucky not to make the most of their counter attacks.

41 Milan are immediately punished for their miss as wizard Messi scores his second of the night! Iniesta steals possession from Mexes and feeds Messi, whose low shot goes past Abbiati from the edge of the area.

messi's second goal

40 GOAAAAAAAAAAAAL FOR BARCELONA!!!

38 What a chance for Milan!! youngster M'Baye Niang goes one on one but his low shot strikes the post.

37 Milan's defence looks tight now. They are gradually making up for a poor start.

34 One of those attempts see El Shaarawy break clear after skipping past Pique, but his weak shot from inside the area is easily collected by Valdes.

30 Milan are making some shy counter-attacks, which are yet to yield any tangible efforts.

28 Barcelona ease off a bit, giving Milan some breathing space after a period of relentless pressure.

25 Messi appears in a much better shape after taking a deeper role this time around.

22 Ghanian midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is booked for a challenge on Iniesta.

20 Milan are desperately clearing numerous crosses from the right and left. A barrage of attacks from the Catalans.

17 Xavi comes close with a powerful low that that narrowly misses the target. Barcelona pile on pressure.

15 Barcelona attacked with panache in the first quarter of an hour, deservedly opening the scoring via an impressive Messi strike. They are totally outplaying a Milan side who have so far failed to replicate their resolute first-leg defensive display.

13 Barcelona squander a golden opportunity to double their lead!! A powerful Iniesta volley from a Messi knock-down is tipped by the keeper onto the bar. Messi follows-up with a header that hits the side netting.

11 Barcelona have a penalty claim waved away by the referee after Pedro falls down in the area.

10 However, despite Milan's wasted chance, Barcelona look the more likely to score. The visitors will have to withstand huge pressure for long periods.

9 Stephan El Shaarawy wastes a chance to hit Barcelona on the break!! He poorly controls a long ball that finds him unmarked, and his subsequent poor shot doesn't trouble the keeper.

6 World Player of the Year Lionel Messi exchanges passes with Xavi on the edge of the area and sends a powerful left-foot curler that leaves Milan keeper Christian Abbiati with no chance. A dream start for the Catalans!

Messi's goal

5 GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAL FOR BARCELONA!!!

2 As expected, Barcelona lay siege to Milan's area from the very beginning. Will Barcelona be able to score an early goal?

The match is underway

21:40 Both teams step onto the pitch amid huge roars from the home Barcelona supporters.

20:00 Barcelon are looking to win the double: Spanish La Liga and Champions League. They were eliminated from the King's Cup at the hands of arch-rivals Real Madrid.

20:00 AC Milan only have the Champions League to play for after being knocked out of the Italian Cup. They also virtually lost hope to catch Serie A leaders Juventus.

19:00 Milan won the Champions League seven times, just two behind record winners Real Madrid. Barcelona, who won the competition twice in the last four years, have four titles under their belt.

Teams
Achievements

18:30 AC Milan's rising star Stephan El Shaarawy did not score in the first leg but caused constant problems for Barca's backline with his pace. The Italians are expected to rely on him in their counter attacks at the Nou Camp.

18:30 Lionel Messi, Barcelona's most lethal weapon, produced a subdued performance in the first-leg. However, the Catalans will rely on him to deliver the goods against AC Milan.

17:30 Barcelona are expected to attack from the outset at the vibrant Nou Camp as they seek to overturn a two-goal deficit. AC Milan will have to keep their defence tight throughout the match if they are to seal surprise package to the last eight.

Stay tuned for Ahram Online special coverage of the crucial game between La Liga champions Barcelona and Serie A's AC Milan in the second leg of the last-16 round of the Champions League Tuesday.

Barca are also expecting to have playmaker Xavi available after he returned to training this week following a minor muscle strain.

The Argentine star Lionel Messi will be on the spot in attempt to accomplish Barca's hard mission as the Italian giants were able to clinch a 2-0 victory in the first leg.

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